On the planet of Amedia, the sentience that is the World grants Magic to whomever it chooses. Normally, that means someone born of Wizard lineage ... in fact, Wizards have declared it near blasphemy for anyone born Plain to use Magic.Astra Fairweather was born Plain - no Wizard in her lineage, no Magic in her past.Except that Amedia gives her Magic, anyway.On a cold winter night, the World sends its emissary to Astra, urging her to perform Magic for the first time. She does - right before the disbelieving eyes of Wizard André Skyecatcher.